Gimlets are probably among the most underrated hand tools in the modern workshop. They are easily used for quickly making pilot holes for screws sized from #2 to #9. At this price, these gimlets are a terrific value. They will really speed up your work.

I had been looking for a set of gimlets for a while, and finding Garrett Wade's product, I immediately purchased two sets. I have used each size and find that each size works perfectly.

5

- Monday, March 09, 2015

Great For Grilling

Reviewed By:

Matt B(Seatle, WA)

I used these to make spits for grilling and they worked great.

5

- Monday, March 02, 2015

Twist Gimlets

Reviewed By:

Graham(Morrison, CO)

Exactly the tools I needed at a reasonable price. Excellent quality and performance just as expected from GW.

5

- Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Handy Hand Tools

Reviewed By:

Mike Wasson(Houston, Texas)

A well made gimlet is aesthetically a very nice tool to have in your arsenal but they are so much handier than fetching a drill and a finding the right size counter sink just to make one small hole. Let alone if the battery is down, now you have a whole new problem. Pick the right gimlet, do the task, and continue with your work. With a gimlet it is one and done. It is threaded to start easy,It is twisted to help complete the hole quicker,and it has a very well made handle. Hang it back on the hook or nail and your done.What could be easier?

5

- Sunday, February 08, 2015

Great Additions To My Hand Tools

Reviewed By:

Scott Runnion(Highlands, NC)

Bought 2 sets (have a tendency to lay a tool down and forget where). These are finely crafted and valuable additions to any tool box.

5

- Thursday, December 18, 2014

Twist Gimlets

Reviewed By:

Debbie Laird(Toms River, NJ)

These appear to be quite the unique tools and hopefully they will come in handy.

5

- Friday, December 12, 2014

Small Tube Unplugged

Reviewed By:

Carlton Davies(Ruidoso, New Mexico)

Great little tool to unplug real small tubes. The screw tip allows you screw it in the clog and pull it out.

5

- Monday, December 08, 2014

GREAT GIMLETS!

Reviewed By:

Marvin Howard(Decatur, Alabama)

I KNEW that I would use these if I got them... and I WAS RIGHT! These simple tools are TERRIFIC for starting a screw into most any size hole. Creates a far better pilot hole than just drilling alone would. By pre-threading the hole, screws are far less likely (impossible?) to fall out while you're upside down at the top of a ladder and down to your "last Screw"! I keep these in my tool belt held together with a twist tie and am ready for just about any "piloting" situation". A VERY simple but ELEGANT set of inexpensive tools!

5

- Thursday, December 04, 2014

Give Me The Gimlets!

Reviewed By:

Kathy Caldwell(Lincolnton, NC)

I purchased the gimlets for my husband. He thought they were a unique & hand tool. I adore them because they remind me of times gone by, and of watching my dad in his workshop. The tool is pretty enough to hang as a decoration, and kept close is always hand for a quick fix me up.

5

- Thursday, November 20, 2014

Indispensable

Reviewed By:

Melanie(Columbia, SC)

I've now purchase a set of these for every family member and friend. The gimlets are great for starting a hole that you don't want to mess up--I highly recommend these to everyone!

4

- Thursday, November 20, 2014

Gimlets

Reviewed By:

R. Whiteman(Felton, California)

Great for starting all screws.

5

- Tuesday, September 02, 2014

Work With A Twist

Reviewed By:

Jarod Hillyard(Bethany, MO)

What's a gimlet I first thought when someone said he used them in his hand made projects? Well, a quick internet search later yielded Garret Wade as having the highest rated gimlets out there, and I just had to try them. See, I'm an artisan knife maker who does everything by hand. And I drill lots of holes, I mean hundreds a day. These WILL NOT disappoint you. They are arguably one of the most handy tools you can have on your person. I like to carry them on a carabiner so they don't get lost. I had tried a set before these that belonged to a friend but they had trouble getting started and going through deeper wood. Not these little babies. The more pronounced screw on the end of these French made wonders must be the key, because they start with ease, and don't have to be forced in with a hammer like cheaper sets to get them started. Don't be without them. You don't have to be a craftsman to enjoy these, just an everyday person who likes to do a few things for themselves. Need a pilot hole in sheet rock, no problem. Need to start a pilot hole in a precarious position where you'd rather not be carrying an expensive and dangerous power drill, try hanging these on your belt. I'm a homeowner, business owner, a craftsman, and jack-of-all-trades. If you know one of the above, please do him/her a favor and get one of these fantastic sets. It got me hooked on Garret Wade's products. They offer quality over quantity. Get a set of these while you can!

5

- Monday, June 23, 2014

Great Tool

Reviewed By:

Carlton Davies(Ruidoso, New Mexico)

This tool works like cork screw. I had a very small tube that was stopped up. I was able to remove some paper with this tool.

4

- Tuesday, May 06, 2014

Great Drills for Precise Drilling

Reviewed By:

T. Lafferty(Hagerstown, Maryland)

These dills are great for precision drilling. If you are uncomfortable with the speed of a power drill, these drills are perfect - I am able to slow down and focus on drilling clean, straight, pilot holes. The drills feel solid and I have had no trouble drilling through poplar, chestnut, and red oak. It would be nice is the drills had the but size marked on them, but that's certainly a minor criticism.

5

- Friday, March 07, 2014

Twist Gimlets

Reviewed By:

Dom Scimeca(Maggie Valley, NC)

Great little tools for small jobs or intricate jobs or if you just don't want to get your drill for one starter hole.

5

- Thursday, February 20, 2014

Craftsman

Reviewed By:

Scott(Glenfield, New York)

As soon as I received these Gimlets they were put to the test. Wow I was amazed went through pine with ease even apple wood and maple. Also great for starter holes. And of course would finish up with the Garret Wade mini hand drill that I also purchased. These Gimlets are tough and sturdy and will hold up with continuous use. Another great purchase Thank you Garrett Wade. Scott Glenfield New York

1

- Thursday, February 13, 2014

Out of Stock?

Reviewed By:

Joe Glosson(Williamsburg, VA)

This product was advertised as being on sale for "inventory reduction." Why then was it out of stock when ordered and still missing three + weeks later?

5

- Saturday, December 14, 2013

Perfect

Reviewed By:

Steve Wolfe(Jamesville, NC)

Perfect replacement for very old worn set!

5

- Friday, December 06, 2013

Incredibly Useful

Reviewed By:

M. Hrynick(Benedicta, ME)

I bought one of these high-quality sets for myself a few years ago. This time they're a present for my son, who is setting up on his own. These are great for starting screws or any sort of pilot hole; having one hooked to a carabiner on my belt saves a whole lot of switching drills for drivers. And they look neat hanging in a row on my wall!

4

- Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Quick & Easy

Reviewed By:

Joe Beaton(Lynn, MA)

My buddy was looking for a set to replace his father's old set; found these at G.W. and thought I'd try. Easy way to start holes in soft woods if you only have a couple of holes to do. Good add-on to my tool arsenal!

5

- Monday, November 18, 2013

Twist Gimlets

Reviewed By:

Bill Anderson(Chapel Hill, NC)

A good range of sizes in this set. Excellent for staring screw or hinge holes, etc. It would be nice to see wooden handles on these, but even so these will be invaluable in my tool chest!

5

- Thursday, October 10, 2013

Grand Dad's Gimlets

Reviewed By:

Richard Nortman(Santa Monica, CA)

These gimlets are exactly what you said they are and do exactly what they are supposed to do. I remember when I used gimlets like these while I worked alongside my Grandpa at his workbench. Perhaps you can imagine my pleasure and joy when my Granddaughters, 8 and 10 years old, were excited when they saw the gimlets and gleefully used them to make screw holes on a new project. And thank you for the prompt service.
October 2013 Rate & Review Honorable Mention $50 Winner. Congratulations, Richard!!

5

- Monday, September 30, 2013

Gimlets

Reviewed By:

Kurt Luginbyhl(Gaithersburg, MD)

These well made Gimlets were exactly what I was looking for and they arrived before the date promised! I will continue to shop and buy from Garrett Wade.

5

- Friday, September 13, 2013

Another great find from the past!

Reviewed By:

Richard Munson(Oxford, Ohio)

Very high quality gimlets. Useful every time you have to start a screw in hardwood or soft.

5

- Monday, July 22, 2013

Functional Works of Art

Reviewed By:

Jane Curtis(Webster City, Iowa)

These aren't simply functional, they are beautiful pieces of craftsmanship that harken back to the days before cordless drills. Sturdy material, well-made. There's a kind of joy in using a tool like this.

5

- Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Who knew?

Reviewed By:

Mike H.(Palm, PA)

I never knew this product existed, nor did I realize that I needed them. They looked like they might be handy, so I bought them. WOW! Excellent! VERY handy. Well made and work like a charm. I'm glad I invested in a set!

4

- Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Screw Starter Gimlets

Reviewed By:

Bob(Silverton, OR)

I have found these to be very useful when needing to start a few screws. I keep these on my bench and in less time then it takes to get out my drill and chuck a bit I can make starting holes for 4 or 5 screws. They perform great and are a time saver when driving a few screws.

4

- Wednesday, January 02, 2013

Great Gimlets

Reviewed By:

Heather(Morristown, NJ)

Great for starting the holes for cup hooks!

5

- Monday, November 05, 2012

MOST PRACTICAL

Reviewed By:

MARY ANN WAGNER(LAS VEGAS, NV)

4

- Thursday, January 19, 2012

Reasonably priced gimlet set

Reviewed By:

Cstar(Mount Kisco, NY)

Nice little set of gimlets for a very good sale price. I use them all the time.

5

- Wednesday, January 11, 2012

unsurpassed for their job

Reviewed By:

Jeff The Bear(Manassas, Virginia)

This set of gimlets will be a huge help. I have a terrible time drilling pilot holes at the proper angle but these gimlets let me do it right every time. And they suit the pace of my mostly handtool approach to woodworking. They are easy to use and are far more robust than I expected. If you have a friend who likes woodworking, a set of these would make a great (and inexpensive) gift.

5

- Saturday, September 03, 2011

Great tools to have

Reviewed By:

Jim S.(Pittsburgh, PA)

I bought this set about 5 years ago, and it's been going strong ever since. Easy to use, well-made, and they hang up nicely on my peg board in the shed so they don't get lost. These gimlets make your job easier every time!

5

- Monday, July 18, 2011

Gimlet

Reviewed By:

Felix Ruiz(Philadelphia, Pa)

I have started to lean more towards hand tools over the last two years, rather than power tools. There is something cathartic and heartfelt about the process. I am also much more proud and satisfied with the finished product.
Augers are my new favorite tools. I have many, however, I've never owned a gimlet. These are very useful in assembling my birdhouse projects that I build with my 5 year old son. We both love these little hand held tools for piloting holes and they peak my sons interest when starting new projects. We also build little wooden models of trains, tractors, boats, etc. and these are perfect for, again, piloting the holes. The gimlets do take some time to get used to and as with any hand tool, patience is key. The quality of the product is very good and I highly recommend them.
I believe these are a great starter gift for anyone interested in using hand tools.

5

- Friday, July 15, 2011

Yes

Reviewed By:

GDS(Athens, Georgia)

They do what they do very well. The self-tapping is smooth and easy. And, they're beautiful.

5

- Monday, April 25, 2011

Eureka!

Reviewed By:

anon(Coconut Grove, FL)

I bought a set of three of these when I was living in France 15 years ago... One has gone missing so I was delighted to find this 7-piece set. They are among the most useful tools I own! And the batteries never go dead!

5

- Sunday, March 06, 2011

Loving the old tech

Reviewed By:

Aaron(Carlisle, PA)

Man, I'm loving old tech stuff such as this ! Brings back good memories and making new ones.. These worked great for the 3 projects I used them for.. Thanks !!

5

- Thursday, March 03, 2011

Gimlet Screw Holes

Reviewed By:

Larry Tichenor(La Crosse, WI)

The set of seven gimlets arrived in a couple of days after my order; of course I had to try them out right away. After first hole I made with the gimlet I wondering why I did not purchase the set before now. The holes I drilled were clean and I was able to bore the holes quickly. I would recommend the gimlet to anyone to keep in there arsenal of cool tools.

1

- Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Easy to see why they are not well known

Reviewed By:

Theodore Vahl(Arvada, CO)

I have wondered about this tool ever since I found out they are different than the alcoholic drink. Since "wine is fine, but liquors quicker" I also understand the naming of the drink. After using the tools several times I now also understand why they became obsolete. If no one had invented twist drills they might still be useful. They are totally inferior to using the proper size twist drill. If you don't care about the correct size and don't care how they tear up the material and you don't own twist drill bits and a drill, and you like having a tool around for namesake and curiosity purposes they are nice to have around. Sorry five star people.

5

- Monday, January 03, 2011

great tools

Reviewed By:

ann(lancaster, pa)

I purchased these for my son and husband. They are thrilled! I'm actually fairly handy, so I think they are great too. Worth owning!

5

- Wednesday, December 29, 2010

wonderful

Reviewed By:

Roy(Edgewater, NJ)

I discovered Garrett Wade in 1989 and bought these gimlets at that time. I keep them in a small essential tool box for small jobs where I don't need to/want to carry a drill and the bit box. They are wonderful and easy to use and STILL SHARP after 22 years!! They drill through all sorts of stuff.
Plus, when a tool marries beauty, elegance and functionality .... this makes me happy. Buy them!

5

- Monday, December 27, 2010

Something Old, Something New

Reviewed By:

Pam(Martinez, CA)

5

- Friday, December 24, 2010

Great

Reviewed By:

Ted(Radcliff, Kentucky)

They sure help ouy alot. Very glad I bought them,

5

- Friday, December 24, 2010

Old School Hole Starters

Reviewed By:

BK(Tampa, FL)

Sometimes old school is the best school and these rustic looking gimlets are no exception. They are indespensible when working on a ladder and driving screws. They make perfect pilot holes quickly, easily and, if needed, with one hand. They are just as handy when working at a workbench. The look great and work even better.

5

- Saturday, December 11, 2010

Great Gimlets

Reviewed By:

Peter Rosen(Hingham, MA)

At first, gimlets appear to duplicate a drill and bit. However, since I usually need to make one hole at a time, usually as a pilot for a screw, using a gimlet makes the hole in less time that it takes to get the drill out of the cabinet, or to put a bit in the chuck. Once you get used to reaching for them, they get used all the time.
As well, they are beautiful examples of old-style tools, since they are made of a single steel rod bent to form the handle and then machined to form the bit end.

5

- Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Gimlets

Reviewed By:

James Hicks(Kempton, Indiana)

Ever messed the head of a brass screw up even after drilling a pilot hole? Use a Gimlet to cut some threads and you will find that a brass screw goes in a whole bunch eaiser. Nice tool. Wish I had bought a set long before now.

5

- Wednesday, November 03, 2010

A pleasure to use

Reviewed By:

John Beatty(West Allis, WI)

Impossible to break, efficient, grabs any surface the first twist. Beats a cordless screwdriver for small holes any day.

5

- Thursday, August 05, 2010

Great

Reviewed By:

Tim(Malibu, CA)

Wow! These guys make life so much easier, I would not leave them behind for any kind of screw driver job I might have to do.
Great!

5

- Thursday, June 17, 2010

Gimlets

Reviewed By:

jay Peck(Windsor, CA)

This is a tool that I thought that I wouldn't really need and had put off buying the set for several years but now that I bought the set and have used it I wondered why I had waited so long. The set now is an indispensable part of my handy man kit.

5

- Sunday, April 18, 2010

simpe can be effective

Reviewed By:

rfs(overland park, ks)

Sometimes something of simple quality can be most effective....keep them close at hand.

5

- Sunday, April 18, 2010

Great Gimlets

Reviewed By:

Ray(Chantilly, VA)

This is probably the most useful tool ever. It sure beats misusing other tools such as a screwdriver when you don't want to use a drill. I haven't had to even think about using a drill since I got the set.

4

- Sunday, April 18, 2010

innovative

Reviewed By:

I.White(Douglasville, Georgia)

This is a very useful and versatile set of tools and they are easy to store

5

- Saturday, April 17, 2010

Handy

Reviewed By:

D. L.(Shillington, PA)

After the hammer, screwdriver, or pliers, I use the gimlets more than any other tool. They can get wet or dirty, unlike a drill but are just as effective for small or quick jobs. Get yourself some.

5

- Friday, April 16, 2010

Superb Tools!

Reviewed By:

Rory(Walla Walla, WA)

I received a set of these as a gift, and cannot possibly be more pleased! Sturdy, convenient, and simple to use: what more could one ask from a tool! And here you have 7 of them!
My advice: buy at least 2 sets, though! These have a tendency to "walk off" in other folks' pockets! I know I'll be back to pick up another set myself, later on!

5

- Friday, April 16, 2010

Fast and easy

Reviewed By:

R. Sumida(Duarte, CA)

Very simple tool to use for making small holes. You don't have to drag out your power drill, drill bits and extension cord just to make a few holes.

5

- Thursday, April 15, 2010

Gimlets

Reviewed By:

Jazz(Sussex, WI)

Great for starting a pilot hole and much faster than a drill.

5

- Thursday, April 15, 2010

Gimlets

Reviewed By:

VF(Virginia Beach, VA)

Whenever I need to fasten a screw for a simple project, I always turn to my set of Gimlets. They allow me to drill a suitable hole for whatever size screws I am using, quickly, without dragging out my drill and bits. This is a wonderful, simple tool.

5

- Sunday, March 14, 2010

Gimlets!!!!!!

Reviewed By:

Ken(Sheridan, Oregon)

Fantastic Tool. They are sharp. They go thru the hardest of hardwoods. They don't break or flex. They are great for the repair job that requires you to drill a couple of holes for screws. You avoid over drilling on the wood project for hinges ect. I give them out as gifts and all my woodworking friends love them. One used his to do an emergency repair on his sailboat while out on the ocean!!

5

- Monday, February 22, 2010

FINALLY

Reviewed By:

John Beatty(West Allis, WI)

Small drills that don't break

5

- Friday, February 12, 2010

Too cute to pass up

Reviewed By:

Ninny(Portand, Oregon)

I have always wanted a set of gimlets as it's such a bother changing the drill bit just to start a hole. Not to mention that this set looks like tool art.

5

- Thursday, November 19, 2009

My kids and I love these

Reviewed By:

Mark(San Luis Obispo, CA)

I bought these hoping my two young boys could use them to drill pilot holes on small projects. They work remarkably well and make a very nice hole. We love them, and I got a reminder that good work was done before there were power tools.

5

- Wednesday, November 18, 2009

A MUST !

Reviewed By:

Ken(Sheridan, Oregon)

These gimlets are sharp and do a great job even in hardwoods. Nice for drilling just a couple of holes without worry of over drilling the hole. Perfect for finish work. They do not bend or flex even with the hardest of woods. Ken

5

- Thursday, April 16, 2009

Handy Gimlets

Reviewed By:

Harold Yang(Camp Hill, Pennsylvania)

Convenient and perfect for starting pilot holes of all sizes. Easy to carry and easy to use. Would not be without them.

5

- Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Art for Arts Sake!

Reviewed By:

Steve Klass(Falls Church, Virginia)

I bought the gimlets to use on the clocks I make as well as a diverse set of hanging characters. They are handy, easy to size and make just the right starter for the hooks I use to hold the pieces I make. They simplify the job!

5

- Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Set of Gimlets

Reviewed By:

John Samaras(Valdosta, GA)

This is truly a handy set of screw starters. Whenever I need to start a screw, I reach for one of these little gems. I have each one marked for the proper screw size (#4, #6, #8, etc.) and they are so much easier to use than a drill and bit. The funny thing though is that after a day in the shop making pilot holes with this set of gimlets, I have an odd thirst that only a gin and lime juice satisfies. Can't understand why....

5

- Monday, March 30, 2009

Set of Gimlets

Reviewed By:

Steven Engen(Cottonwood, Arizona)

I was amazed at the quality and how well these worked. Talk about ease of handling and the drilling results. They will be a part of my tool kit forever. I also use them for starting holes for small screws. Thanks for a great set of gimlets.